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Anne Hathaway Now Attached to Gestating 'Barbarella' Remake?

After going around with Rose McGowan and director Robert Rodrigeuz, it looks like Universal is looking for another beautiful actress to step into the titular role of Barbarella in their remake of the 1968 sci-fi classic starring Jane Fonda. McGowan never really had my full support (though I'd still love to see Red Sonja come together at some point), but I like the news from Pajiba that says Anne Hathaway is currently "attached" to the project now. However, this good news comes with the disheartening news that the film doesn't have a director at the moment. I guess that means Robert Luketic has fallen out since getting attached last year.

Of course, Luketic was another talent brought on board the remake that never really impressed me either. Somehow his work on Legally Blonde or even a comedy with more action like Killers doesn't inspire much confidence. But if this is to be believed, it sounds like Universal may be on track to get this long-gestating project off the ground with a whole new set of talent both in front and behind the camera. Hathaway hasn't seen much action to justify her casting in this sci-fi adventure, but her work in Get Smart at least gives us some idea of her capabilities, and it's not hard to picture her in those skimpy outfits. For now take this with a grain of salt until some more official news comes along. Do you like Anne Hathaway as Barbarella?

Update: This didn't take too long to debunk. Well, not exactly, as there's still a possibility it's in the works. The Playlist checked with Hathaway's reps and, as expect, they "were told that Hathaway isn’t formally attached to either." Of course she's not officially attached yet, but that doesn't rule out the possibility that talks are still underway. The casting process on something like this isn't quick, so things may be developing that we don't know about, testing may be underway and so on. Only time will tell what happens, stay tuned!

Reader Feedback - 19 Comments

Although I tend to be bipolar on Hathaway, irregardless of what move I'm watching her in... I do agree with #1 Tinker Bell. She does seem to grow (as an actress) with every movie choice.
And I'm glad Rodriguez isn't attached anymore. Surprised he didn't announce his plans to step in and do Superman yet. Or Deadpool. Or the Amazing Boat Ride. Or Sprite: The Movie. Or Inception 2: The Wrath of Justin Bieber.

Akirakorn on Dec 10, 2010

3

Yuck. I thought Barbarella was supposed to be sexy. Hathaway is cute I guess in a horse-faced and toothy sort of way but she certainly ain't sexy.

One of the great mirages in the current Hollywood landscape is that Anne Hathaway is a beautiful and/or sexy actress.
Without the brand behind her, she would be what she is: merely an average looking woman who happens to be a very good actress.
But there is no widespread demand for Hathaway as some sex symbol. And she's never been "hot" in any movie.
She was the awkward but cute girl in Devil Wears Prada, the peppy and cute girl in Get Smart, the alternative chick in Rachel Getting Married, and then the awkward but cute girl in her recent movie with Jake Gyllenhal.
Never been seen as hot. Never been set as beautiful.
None of that is to take anything away from her acting chops. She's a very good actress. And kudos to her publicists and agents for positioning her in this way. It's one of the stranger things I've seen in a long time.
But I don't get it.

Jason Roberts on Dec 10, 2010

7

Jason - "Never been seen as hot. Never been set as beautiful."????
Not by you, certainly. (I guess you forgot to mention her in "Ella Enchanted", although I suppose that would ruin the theme of your post) 🙂
But a LOT of people would disagree (myself included), although she certainly has a unique/different look with different facial proportions than the model waif norm. But that's part of her appeal.

Lars on Dec 10, 2010

8

Hollywood confuses that there is two types of sexy. What women see as sexy and what men see as sexy. That's why when Maxim magazine came out with their ugliest women issue, rumors were that Sarah Jessica Parker who won the title of ugliest was devastated to hear the news. Yes women find her sexy but men don't. Simply put women like the anorexic look. The anorexic look tends to make women look like boys. Barbarella is not a boy. Even though I wouldn't say Anne Hathaway is ugly, she just doesn't have the entire package. Women who see women as sexy... it's always about the clothes and the anorexia makes clothes look better on women. None of that is appealling to men. Anne Hathaway looks okay in clothes but does she have a body that is considered sexy to men? She looks thin and probably not.

Jammer on Dec 10, 2010

9

Whereas Rose McGowan might not seem like an obvious choice, she does posess qualities of a strong sexy heroine. Anne Hathaway might be able to pull of cute or a realistic strenght or innocence I don't think she's as good a fit for someone like Barbarella.

Alasil on Dec 10, 2010

10

Hathaway needs to do something big! I'm always gonna be a fan of hers...but she needs something to break her out of her current typecast perhaps this could be it
hey Jammer...I kinda find Parker attractive. and Hathaway is a babe, imo.

Xerxex on Dec 10, 2010

11

Anne Hathaway = poor casting. What #3 said.

durand-durand on Dec 10, 2010

12

Scarlett Johansson would make a much much better Barbarella.

Interested on Dec 10, 2010

13

Just drop the entire thing right now and forget the whole thing.

DiR3cT on Dec 11, 2010

14

yeesh. Jane Fonda - she ain't.

bozo on Dec 13, 2010

15

Who would see this?
I think Ann Hathaway is ugly -- she looks like a cross between a Chihuahua and a Scary Clown. Not a good combination.

MST on Dec 22, 2010

16

Noooo, not Anne Hathaway, she is so not Barbarella. Jessica Alba would be better than Anne.

Bookenz on Feb 12, 2011

17

I'm with Interested- If someone had to play Barbarella then it should be Scarlett Johansson. She's got the sex appeal and she's blonde.
I dont know why they're bothering to remake this- the only reason it's a fun movie is:
1. It stars Jane Fonda
2. Its campy in a 60s way
3. The spaceship is absurd
4. The 60s space outfits are hilarious
If you take all of that away, then its just another stupid film.

sarahbear on Aug 21, 2011

18

I think Lindsay Lohan would be perfect for the role

Keefer93 on Sep 26, 2011

19

Irregardless? Consult your local dictionary, Akirakorn. This is the hottest, most vapory clump of ass mumble, most generously stacked thick sliced shitspeak platter of "commentary" I've stumbled upon in recent stumblings. Its vinegars assail my eyes. I cry and run from the nose. Firstly. Those of you whose pants don't get receive the sillies from Ms. Hathaway...you have no penises. Not a one amongst you. Scarlett? Yes. Very much yes. A scorcher. Not a Barbarella, though. Rose was a great choice but lacks, possibly, the ditzy, effervescent naivety, if you will, that is an aspect of the character. Bubblerella. Anne Hathaway could pull that off. I mean that with utmost compliment. She is the embodiment of the leather corset under the lab coat. She would undoubtedly honor the role, as well as brandish the cosmic slink of the Barbarellapparel like a galactic gatling gun. Now get back to speak n' spell and jerseylicious and stay out of the opinion cabinet or you might get hurt.